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Secondary education

Connect with other parents whose children are starting secondary school on this forum.

Original poster

Starting year 13 2016

992 replies

HSMMaCM · 06/09/2016 08:46

Continuing from the year 12 - 13 thread.

Good luck with continuing studies, uni open days, driving tests, etc.

OP posts:
eatyourveg · 27/03/2017 09:41

Thats how it works in Ireland - ds1 could apply for 10 (iirc) and you get the highest one you've qualified for - no conditional offers at all - either you're in or you're not - much better system I think.

JugglingFromHereToThere · 27/03/2017 09:43

I think we're looking at it pretty much like that HSM, as a two option choice - and which she goes to will depend on grades achieved.

I guess your choice is complicated by having the unconditional - but must be nice to have in lots of ways!

I was very glad to hear that Swansea accept applications for accommodation on an equal basis whether you choose them as your firm or conditional from what I could tell ( I think this is an unusual approach, but very welcome) So quite excited to be moving towards choosing DD's accommodation there ( or at least stating preferences) as it's the one we are most hopeful of getting on results day.

I wouldn't mind a third choice too though, but I guess that's what Clearing is for

namechange7711 · 27/03/2017 15:23

It's getting real now, isn't it? DS has just had his student finance loan confirmed.

He hasn't fully decided on which will be his firm and which his insurance, so just put the most likely course on the SFE form. I guess lots of people who get their places through clearing / insurance have to change their details later anyway.

bebumba · 27/03/2017 15:29

It's more of a marathon than a sprint isn't it? Ds confirmed his firm and insurance choices a couple of weeks ago. The Student Finance forms have gone in but nothing back yet.
He passed his driving test this morning and is looking forward to being able to drive on his own.
The exams are looming ever closer!

JugglingFromHereToThere · 27/03/2017 15:35

Well done namechange Do you know whether you have to put your firm choice down on the finance form if you know it or have confirmed it ( we haven't actually confirmed yet) or could you put your insurance choice down if you feel things are more likely to go that way? (So less likely you'd have to change it later) Also how easy is it to change later if necessary. (I have a slight form phobia!)
Also how much evidence do you need to supply regarding household finances. We have an end of year tax statement for DH. Would a photocopy of bank statement be OK to verify child benefit and child tax credits? Or will I need to find some kind of letter from them?

JugglingFromHereToThere · 27/03/2017 15:37

Congrats to bebumba DS on the driving test!

bebumba · 27/03/2017 15:46

Thank you Juggling. A new worry added to the list!

bigTillyMint · 27/03/2017 17:56

Well done to Bebumba's DS!

I have passed the whole student finance thing on to DH. Who has done not very much yet, so I have absolutely no idea!

DD's exams don't start till after half-term, so still ages away

bebumba · 27/03/2017 18:04

Thank you bigTillyMint. I have to confess that I too passed the student finance application over to my partner.

Original poster
HSMMaCM · 27/03/2017 18:35

I have a list on the board in the kitchen. I have registered with student finance and have a note on the board to finish it after visiting Bath Spa although DD has said if she hates Bath Spa, she might visit Sheffield Hallam. Pretty sure we are firming bath spa and putting Reading 2nd, which is sort of backwards.

I am a list driven person.

OP posts:
namechange7711 · 28/03/2017 09:43

Re student loans: both the DC and a parent has to register on the SFE website. They then send you a log-in number, which they state you will need for future years, so if your DC is anything like mine, make sure you write down their number somewhere safe!! Grin

The earnings they assess are for the 2015/16 tax year so you will need to dig out your P60 from that year. Both you and your DC will need to know your respective NI numbers. Once you have input all your figures, you are sent an email detailing what paperwork they want you to send them. For me, the only thing they asked for was a copy of my decree absolute. I was surprised because I thought they would want payslips/my P60, but I guess they can check that through your NI number.

Only taxable income is taken into account, so you do not have to include child benefit or child tax credit, Juggling.

I don't know how easy it is to change the selected course on the SFE forms because I haven't done it yet Smile but they are encouraging people to get their forms in now and change the details later if necessary, so I suppose it can't be too taxing. Anyone whose child changes their bank account details between then and now (e.g. if they get a new student bank account just before going to university) will also need to remember to update their details, so the money is sent to the right account !!

JugglingFromHereToThere · 28/03/2017 09:52

Thanks namechange that's very helpful. I wonder if DH should register as the parent if we'll be using his P60 (hoping he can find it or get a replacement?)

The paperwork will be a bit of a challenge for us as we're not very organised with that. But sounds like they don't ask for huge amounts of evidence so we should get there I'm sure.

ono40 · 28/03/2017 19:10

Just walked in on DS and his gf...revising! I might have to lie down with a cool cloth on my head. From somewhere he seems to have dredged up a work ethic and motivation nothing to do with years of me nagging

In case you need reminding, you are a wonderful and supportive bunch. I met a horrible woman at a party on Saturday who seemed to think that if your child wasn't going to Oxbridge or applying for medicine (preferably a combination of both) then you had basically failed in your duty as a parent. She was very sniffy about History degrees and Birmingham in particular because she "disapproves" of unconditionals. As the kids would say WTF?? Talk about vicarious living! Despite having had four two glasses of prosecco I was restrained and simply gave her a disparaging look and moved away (needs a cow emoticon). Grrr....

bebumba · 28/03/2017 19:15

Well done ono40!!!

bebumba · 28/03/2017 19:17



teta · 28/03/2017 20:36

Klaxons !!!
Dd has her first offer for vet med.
Bristol Wine
Cheers everyone.

bigTillyMint · 28/03/2017 20:39

Teta that's great news! Wine

ono40 · 28/03/2017 21:04

Oh well done to her Teta, she only needs one! And well done to both of you for holding your nerve. You can both relax a bit now Wine

bebumba · 28/03/2017 21:20

Fantastic news Teta!

Peaceandl0ve · 28/03/2017 21:22

Yeah, well done to Teta's DD. she might even get to meet my DD!

Original poster
HSMMaCM · 28/03/2017 21:30

Teta fantastic news. My dad loved Bristol.

Ono you were very restrained.

OP posts:
ErrolTheDragon · 28/03/2017 22:44

Yay! Delighted for her, Teta!Grin

Horsemad · 28/03/2017 22:54

Wow, Teta! Brilliant news for your DD Wine

Needmoresleep · 29/03/2017 08:22

Another for Bristol?! Congratulations. I don't know if vets share any courses with medics. DD, on a gap year, and without the distraction of A levels, is starting to get a bit nervous.

JugglingFromHereToThere · 29/03/2017 09:25

Yey! Congrats to you both teta

I shared a flat with vet students when I was at Bristol - I think it's a great place to do vet med, in later more practical years I think a lot of it is based at an out of town village
where they probably have their own farm (?) or at least strong connections with local farms.

The girls I shared with were all lovely and enjoying both their studies and life in general ☺

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